Back to school is coming! Along with the paperwork, getting those back to school supplies, and the settling those first day of school jitters, it’s time to start thinking about after school activities! Most parents want to expose their children to a variety of activities while they’re young to see what their natural talents may be, allow them to experience different communities, and fill up that after school time while the homework load is light.

If you’re considering Irish dance as an activity this year, you’re probably also weighing up the risk of your picky, finicky, young one rejecting your choice. It's a common predicament, kids really can be so fickle when it comes to activities. To help with your decision, here are some popular archetypes of kids who end up loving Irish dance:

1. The Energizer Bunny: never stops moving, twirling, running, jumping, and maybe even more dangerous moves. These energizer bunnies need something to channel their energy into, and I'm sure you've made this realization. But why is Irish dancing such a good choice? If your young one is a mover and groover, they need music! Sports aren't done to a backing track and Irish dance combines the best of sport and art! Both the dance and the music is high energy, so your active little man or lady has plenty of stimulation at dance class to tire them out before bedtime.
2. Mommy’s Extra Leg: sometimes you may feel like you have a third leg because your child. Just. Won't. Let. Go. Of. You. You want some time for yourself and you know your extra appendage needs time to develop on their own too. Why is Irish dancing such a great choice? Well, this might be an SRL unique draw, but our classes are very structured which helps nervous, vulnerable, new dancers find comfort in the routine, focus on their lesson, and slowly grow confidence and independence. Our teachers really go the extra mile to ensure these dancers are engaged and immersed in the moment rather than worrying about mommy.
3. The Closet Extrovert: chatty, energetic, and even a little sassy at home or with family but transforms into a shy, withdrawn, and stoic little person in front of new people. Sound like someone you know? I bet your biggest worry with dance is, “but how are they going to get on stage and do a recital at the end of the year? I don't want to traumatized him/her!” A worthy concern - especially since most dance forms do build up to once big recital at the end of the year. At SRL, we actively work on students comfort and familiarity of being on stage from the beginning. From performance opportunities at libraries, farmers markets, schools, and more - all open for beginners - students associate being on stage with fun, friends, and praise rather than getting nervous or upset. By the time we get to our year-end dinner dance, even the shyest of students are ready to go!
4. The Rule Follower: always serious, usually focused, and never puts a toe out of line! Our structured classes, consistency in giving feedback, and opportunities to reward hard work speak to our rule followers who just love to impress. These types of kids live off making corrections to hear positive feedback, showing that they’re always prepared and ready to learn more, and their desire to be a model student. Teachers love them, their classmates love them, and most importantly - the kids love to dance!

Do you know someone who fits into one of these categories? Send them this article and see if Irish dance is an activity they'd consider for this year!
​

SRL qualified four dancers to compete at the 2017 North American Championships in New Orleans, Louisiana from July 4 - July 9. To qualify for the North American Championships dancers must advance to the top competitive level of Irish dance, "Open Championships," or place highly enough at the regional qualifying event.

Our 2017 North American Championship qualifiers were: Rebecca Kall (Farmington) in Ladies U22, Lindsey Hoffman (Columbia) in Ladies U18, Tara Lynch (Cheshire) in Girls U17, and Colleen Williams (Hebron) in Girls U11.  

Our qualifiers trained tirelessly through the spring and early summer to put their best foot forward on stage. They made our entire school so proud and the experience gained by our qualifiers has benefited both their personal growth and the growth of their classmates who hope to qualify themselves this November.